U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) hosted their quarterly Right-Hand Sailor Luncheon July 20 at the Naval Support Activity Bahrain's Freedom Souq.

"Each quarter, the FCPOA holds a luncheon in appreciation and recognition of right-hand Sailors and their accomplishments," said Yeoman 1st Class Fletcher McNeil, NAVCENT FCPOA president.

McNeil added a right-hand Sailor is a junior Sailor or service member, E-5 and below, who is the go-to person for a petty officer first class -- always ready, willing and able to assist when needed. Often times, the junior Sailor assists and gets the job done without ever being asked.

"If you want something you've never had, then you have to do something you've never done," McNeil said.

The luncheon, with an attendance of more than 50 Sailors including senior and junior enlisted and officers as distinguished guests in the Oasis Grille banquet hall, kicked off with words from guest speaker Capt. Richard D. Brawley, NAVCENT's chief of staff.

"Events like this show us the great Sailors we have at our command are doing the right things," Brawley said. "It is critical to recognize one another and celebrate in camaraderie."

After Brawley's speech, awards were presented to the April, May, and June Deckplate Leadership Award recipients. The FCPOA presents the monthly award to a noticeable hard-charging junior Sailor who is leading from the front, explained McNeil.

The April Deckplate Leadership Award was presented to Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Brenda Olivarez.

"It is always humbling to see that your hard work doesn't go unnoticed," Olivarez said. "It is also nice to see the first classes come together to motivate myself and other Sailors to continue to do better and bigger things."

The May Deckplate Leadership Award was presented to Yeoman 2nd Class Le'Joine Gardner.

"It is very overwhelming in a good way," Gardner said. "Being here for five months, I have never felt so much appreciation, and the recognition is amazing to receive."

The June Deckplate Leadership Award was presented to Yeoman 2nd Class Arnick Alinaya, who was not in attendance due to prior obligations and responsibilities.

A quarterly book scholarship for $100 awarded to a junior Sailor attending and enrolled at a higher education institution was presented to Operations Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Hudson.

The presentations wrapped up with 12 petty officers first class recognizing their right-hand Sailors with a certificate of appreciation for the honorees.

"Right-hand Sailors, please note that some of the previous recipients have went on to become a Blue Jacket and or Junior Sailor of the Month, Quarter and even Year," McNeil said at the close of the presentation ceremony portion of the luncheon.

The luncheon came to a close as awardees, honorees, guests and everyone in attendance were treated to fruit and vegetable platters, popcorn shrimp, barbecue chicken wings, chicken tenders, pizza and drinks.

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